Over the past four years, Zakai Zeigler, a Tennessee basketball player, has thrown a curveball that’s got the college sports world amazing. The former Vols guard filed a lawsuit against the NCAA yesterday, May 20, 2025, seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
This legal move has set off strong reactions online, with fans and analysts weighing in on whether Zeigler’s fight is a bold stand for athletes’ rights or a desperate attempt to cling to college hoops.
Zakai Zeigler’s Lawsuit Challenges NCAA Eligibility Rules
At the heart of Zeigler’s lawsuit is a challenge to the NCAA’s rule that limits athletes to four seasons of competition within a five-year eligibility window. Filed in the Eastern District Court of Tennessee, the suit argues that this regulation is an unlawful restraint of trade under federal and state antitrust laws.
Zeigler, who has already played four seasons with Tennessee, claims the rule unfairly blocks him from capitalizing on his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings during what could be his most profitable year.
The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to allow Zeigler to compete in the 2025/2026 season while pursuing graduate studies. “We have requested a preliminary injunction to allow Zakai to compete in the upcoming season while pursuing his graduate studies,” a press release from Zeigler’s legal team at Litson PLLC stated, as reported by sources.
This isn’t just about Zeigler; it’s a test case that could redefine how long athletes can stay in college sports and profit from their talents.
I love Zakai Zeigler, but he’s played a full 4 years and 138 college games.
That’s enough.
Give a college freshman an opportunity. https://t.co/WmM1JjSqQO
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 20, 2025
Social Media Erupts with Mixed Reactions
Platforms like X became a battleground for opinions, with hashtags and memes flying fast. Many rival fans, particularly from SEC foes like Kentucky and Florida, mocked Zeigler’s attempt to extend his college career, with posts like “Time for a JOB” trending alongside images of job applications and SpongeBob SquarePants in an Indeed hat.
The sentiment from some corners is clear: after 138 games and four full seasons, Zeigler should move on to the pros or the workforce.
Conversely, Tennessee fans and some analysts see this as a fight for fairness. They point to inconsistencies in NCAA eligibility rulings, like Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Rutgers safety Jett Elad, who successfully won extra years through similar legal challenges.
Yet, Tennessee baseball’s Alberto Osuna was denied a fifth year despite using the same expert witness as Pavia, highlighting the NCAA’s subjective waiver system. This disparity has fueled arguments that Zeigler’s case could force the NCAA to standardize its rules or face more legal battles.
Zeigler’s Stellar Tennessee Career Fuels Debate
The 22-year-old guard, who joined the Vols in 2021 as a three-star recruit, quickly became the face of the program. Over 118 games, he averaged 11.3 points, 5.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, shooting 39% from the field.
His senior year was a career peak, with 13.6 points and 7.4 assists per game, leading Tennessee to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. Zeigler also set program records, finishing with 747 career assists and 251 steals, making him the first SEC player to hit 1,550 points, 700 assists, 350 rebounds, and 250 steals.
Despite this resume, Zeigler wasn’t invited to the NBA Draft Combine or the G League Elite Camp that was held earlier this month, signaling a tough road to the pros. Critics argue he’s played enough college ball and should take his chances professionally. At the same time, supporters say the NCAA’s rules are costing him millions in NIL earnings, especially in a fifth year when his marketability would peak after such a decorated career.
KEEP READING: WATCH: Zakai Zeigler and Rick Barnes Share Emotional Moment After Elite 8 Loss
As the lawsuit is in its early stages, the request for a preliminary injunction means a decision could come soon. If granted, he’d be back on the court for Tennessee next season, joining a roster that’s already added Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie at point guard. Gillespie, who averaged 14.7 points and 4.8 assists last season, fills the void Zeigler left, but a Zeigler return would make the Vols a powerhouse in the SEC.
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